ATP Current of Life

Current of LifeATP is referred to as the “current of life” or “molecular currency” as it is literally the energy transfer or power source that makes life itself possible in every living organism. This includes all cellular activity, DNA replication, regeneration and healing, collagen and elastin synthesis, neuro transmission, and of course, muscle contraction. As the skin is the largest organ of the body, it too requires massive amounts of ATP to thrive, regenerate and renew itself.

ATP is a multifunctional nucleotide that is essentially a storage facility or liaison for energy derived from intake sources including carbohydrates, protein and fat, to be used for cellular functions of life. In other words, carbohydrates, proteins, and fat are not directly usable by cells; whereas ATP is. Without ATP, the cells of the body and therefore the body itself, would not function. Although we think of sustenance as food and liquids, these energy sources are useless without the appropriate liaison to allow the energy to be utilized, and utilized effectively. The term molecular currency is used to describe ATP as it is the only energy molecule that the body will accept and utilize as energy.

ATP and Aging Although many factors are associated with the aging process, ATP, or the lack thereof, is at the top of the pyramid as defined when discovered by Karl Lohman in 1929 and supported by Fritz Lipman in 1941 citing ATP as the primary energy transfer molecule of the human body. This supports the fact that without power and an ample supply thereof, the system of the human body will not function effectively and eventually deteriorate. Having said this, preventative aging and improved health begins with creating environments that support and maximize the synthesis of ATP. This includes the foods and supplements that we eat, the professional skin care technology that we use, and the topical products that we apply to our skin.

Since the body cannot survive without ATP, you would think that it would build up and store an ample supply so that the body could function at optimum levels, all the time. However, the body does not “store” ATP,rather it manufactures it on an “as needed” bases via ATP Synthesis (ATP Synthase). To a certain degree, you can think of this a bit like our process of obtaining and storing food and liquids. Although we need food and liquids to survive, we are not packing around 100 pound bags of food and liquids in preparation for our long term needs, as our body can only utilize so much at a time. We do however, require an enviroment that supports and allows a ready supply.

ATP SynthesisStudies indicate that a healthy human body will use what is equivalent to their body weight in ATP every day. And by the time that they have reached the age of 60, this production will have deteriorated by nearly half. This fact certainly drives home the saying that when we age we simply run out of energy; it is a fact!

Adrenaline or Phosphocreatine?There are three distinct chemical reactions or methods that facilitate the manufacture or synthesis of ATP. The first and most rapid way to synthesize ATP is via phosphocreatine also known as creatine phosphate. Phosphocreatine is found in ample supply in the skeletal muscle cells and can be rapidly converted to ATP to energize the muscles for very short bursts of activity, generally lasting no more than 10 seconds. Many “emergency” situations such as rapidly stepping out of the way of a moving vehicle may be described as operating on an “adrenaline rush”. In reality it is phosphocreatine converted to ATP that energizes the muscles allowing for this near instant response movement. Unlike ATP that cannot be stored in large quantities, phosphocreatine can, which is why creatine supplementation is very popular and common with weight lifters and other athletes who frequently require quick, short bursts of energy.

GlycolysisThe second way that the body synthesizes ATP is via glycolysis. This is referred to as your anaerobic form of ATP synthesis, as no oxygen is required to realize this process. The glycolosis method of synthesizing ATP works by utilizing the energy stored in the glucose molecule in the muscles. Unlike the phosphocreatine method of synthesizing ATP, the glycolosis method takes a bit longer to kick into gear and therefore could be thought of as taking over where the phosphocreatine method of energy production leaves off. Glycolosis is the dominant form of energy used for strenuous activities that last more than ten seconds and less than two minutes.

ATP and the MitochondriaThe long term and most consistent form of energy or ATP synthesis is generated in the mitochondria of the cell and is sometimes referred to as the aerobic pathway, as it requires oxygen for the synthesis process to be complete. The more aerobic exercise that one performs has an impact and effect on how rapidly the body and especially the muscles can use oxygen, and therefore synthesize ATP. We often hear the comment that frequent exercise gives a person more energy; this is completely true! Individuals in excellent aerobic shape maintain the best environment for ATP synthesis, and as a result, generally look and feel fantastic, as well as maintain a near bullet proof immune system.

So now that we know a little bit about ATP and the current of life, how does this affect our skin, and what can we do to enhance our ATP production to assist our health, well being, and our appearance?

Device Energy and ATP From a technology standpoint, there are a few types of devices applicable to the skin therapist that can help enhance the synthesis of ATP. LED technology has been proven to enhance ATP synthesis as well as other cellular activity. As ATP is responsible to power all functions of life, it would be fair to assume that the increases in collagen, elastin, as well as many of the healing benefits that LED is best known for, are made possible due to the enhancement of ATP energy that facilitate these functions.

Microcurrent and ATP The Bio-Ultimate Platinum® microcurrent system, which uses less than 400 Ua (microamperes), has been proven to stimulate ATP production by as much as 500%. This stimulation in ATP synthesis is more significant than anything else known to date, making low levels of specific Suzuki Sequencing™ microcurrent the single most powerful tool to maximize ATP energy potential.

Studies indicate that Bio-Ultimate Platinum® applications, as with LED, have significant side benefits of ATP synthesis that include increases in collagen (more than 12% in 20days), elastin (more than 48% in 20 days), and blood circulation (more than 39% in 20 days). And the healing benefits of microcurrent are simply unmatched; ranging from soft tissue injuries, bone regeneration, to skin rejuvenation.

Microcurrent and Facial Sculpting From an esthetic standpoint the Bio-Ultimate Platinum® is also known for its ability to sculpt and or “re-educate” muscles of the face and body. From what we know about the ability of the Bio-Ultimate Platinum® to increase ATP synthesis, this makes sense as the muscles themselves are completely dependent on ATP to shorten the actin and myosin filament cross bridges required for muscle shortening and lengthening.

Usable External Energy Sources External energy sources, specifically lower levels of Suzuki Sequencing ™ microcurrent, can be used by the mitochondria in lieu of other natural energy sources to maximize ATP synthesis, giving the entire process a turbo boost or turbo lift capability. A series of Bio-Ultimate Platinum® applications help create an ATP heavy environment enhancing all cellular activities of life. In this case specifically benefiting the contour, texture, health, and visual appearance of the skin and muscles of the face and body.

ATP and Oxygen The relationship between ATP and oxygen lends efficacy to combining oxygen infusion services with LED and specifically microcurrent, as oxygen is a necessary component for the primary synthesis of ATP. It would also answer many of the questions regarding the benefits of oxygen, even as a stand alone service, as oxygen simply creates a prime environment for maximum ATP synthesis, and therefore, beneficial cellular activity.